Lice Management
Student Health Lice Control Procedures
Head lice are a common problem, especially among school age children and their families. Lice are found worldwide, regardless of socioeconomic status or living conditions. While head lice are a nuisance, they are not known to cause or transmit illness or disease and do not constitute a health hazard. Head lice can cause embarrassment, misunderstanding and unnecessary days missed from school or work. Based on current research, the RTMSD has updated its guidelines for managing nits and lice within the school setting.
The most effective way to decrease and control the prevalence and transmission of head lice in school, reduce unnecessary absences, and minimize stigma surrounding the condition is through family/caregiver and school staff education. Regular monitoring by parents/caregivers is a good way to detect and treat early infestations, preventing their spread to others. At the beginning of each school year and periodically throughout the year, student families will be given information about head lice and the importance of screening at home.
Head lice spread through close, prolonged head-to-head contact. They are unable to jump, hop or fly. Students should be checked for head lice if they are experiencing tickling/itching on their scalp, sores on the scalp from scratching, or nits/lice are observed on their hair.
If a student complains of symptoms during the school day, the student will be allowed to go to the nurse for screening in a private setting.
If it is confirmed that the student has lice, the parent/guardian will be notified and provided with information about appropriate treatment. They will be encouraged to reach out to their pediatrician for specific treatment guidance. Students are not required to leave school immediately, however caregivers may decide to pick up the student to begin treatment. The nurse will offer to screen other members of the same household attending district schools. Following treatment and the removal of live lice, the student is able to return to school the next day. The student will be reexamined at the discretion of the school nurse.
It is important to note that classroom-wide screening is not merited as classroom head lice screenings disrupt learning time and have not been proven to identify significant numbers of cases to aid in managing the spread of head lice in schools. Once 3 cases of head lice have been reported in a classroom, notification will be emailed to the parents/guardians so that they can monitor their own children.
These procedures are based upon the guidelines from the Center for Disease Control, the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Center for Disease Control, Head Lice
National Association of School Nurses
American Academy of Pediatrics
PA Department of Health Head Lice FAQ